The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-01-19
THE NATIONAL CONGRESS-
THE BACKBONE RAILROAD FOR
FIXTURE OF LANDS BILL
Amended and Passed By the Senate
"A Joint Resolution Passed
BY the House for the
INVESTIGATION OF THE AC-
COUNTS OF THE PACIFIC
RaiIroads-The Interstate Com.
merce Bill Resumed-Lles Over
Pending Farther Discussion.

WASHINGTON, January is -Sndk. -
Senator morrill,, from the Finance
Committee, reported a bill to reim-
burse the depositors OF the Washing
ton Freedmen's Bank. Calendar.
Senator Hswley, from the Sslect
Committee on the Centennial Celebrs-
ton of The Adoption Of the Oonstitu-
ton, reported a joint resolution pro-
vidiDg for the appointment OF a joint
committee OF five Senators and eight
Representatives TO consider The expe-
diency OF holding in 1892 an interna-
tional exhibition Of the industries and
productions OF all countries. Passed.
Senator Bower, from the Committee
on lndisn Affairs, reported bill TO
refer 10 the Court of Claims lhs claims
OF the eastern and western Cherokee
Indians. Calendar.
Senator Cockrell, from the Commit
t.e on Military Affairs, reported BIZ
90 amend the act Of June 3, 1884
providing for the muster aud pay of
certain officers and men OF the volun-
teer forces. Passed.
Senator German offered q preamble
and resolution whose terms are very
similar TO those of the bill offered yes
terday in the House by Mr.. Belmont,
IN. ". 1t authorizes the President
to prohibit the transit through the
United States or the Territorial waters
OF any engines, cars, vessels or goods
proceeding from Canada.
Senst)r Dawes, in connection with
the same subject, inquired OF the
Committee on Foreign Relations
whe her that committee had consid.
cred the bill INTRODUCED by him last
session, covering the same point, and
was ready to make a report on it.
Senator Fry replied that a sub.
committee OF the Committee on For
eign Relations had investigated the
So tject during the vacation, and that
the evidence was now printed and the
subcommittee had been in session
this morning considering the evidence
and the report to be made ON it.
That report would undoubtedly be
made within few days.
Senator Dawes remarked that every
day the grievance was more glaring
and more inexcusable.
Senator Ingalls, introduced O bill to
extend Executive avenue in the city
OF Washington. Referred.
The Senate then took up the House
bill to declare forfeiture OF the
lands granted to the New Orleans,
Baton Rouge and Vicksburg Railroad
Company (he Backbone), the forfeit
ure to apply TO lands east OF the Mis-
sissippi, and to confirm TO the New
Orleans Pacific Railroad Company
(the assignee OF the other company
the granted lands not forfeited.
Senator Eustis supported the first
proposition, but opposed the second,
and offered substitute for the whole
bill. The substitute declares forfeited
all the lands originally granted, with
aproviso confirming titles acquired by
purchase from any railroad company
by any bona 6de settlers.
Senator Gibson offered an amend
ment 70 the original bill, protecting
the rights Of the settlers, and argued
against the substitute offered by his
colleague.
Senator Eustis advocated his substi-
tute, and spoke of the near time when
the Overshadowing influence and
power OF corporate bodies over legitla-
lion would be checked, subjected and
destroyed. The conditions OF the
grant a. to the time when the rail.
roads should be completed had not
been complied with, and therefore the
grant CEASED to operate.
Senator Edmunds argued against
the bill. He characterized the pur-
chase Of the grant from the black.
bone railroad" as one OF the most au-
dscious deals ever practiced in the
United States and that was saying a
good deal.
The amendment offered by Senator
Gibson WAS agreed TO without divis.
ion. The question was then taken on
the substitute offered by Senator Eus-
tis, and II was reject sd-yeas IL, nays
So. The bill az amended was then
passed without division.
Senator Edmunds gave notice that
early t)monow he should move that
the Senate proceed to the considera-
ton of executive business for tho con
sideration Of topics OF wide public iu-
terest. He gave the notice now 30
that ell Senators might understand it.
liz is supposed to refer to the Nicara-
qua canal resolution
Adjourned,